County building up

Saturday

Oct 5, 2013 at 12:00 PM

By Don Reiddwreid@aol.com

BRANCH COUNTY — Branch County Commissioners learned Thursday that just over 75 percent of all building construction — $6.8 million total — in Branch County for 2013 took place in the city of Coldwater.Branch County Commissioner Rod Olney called the high figure "a good sign" for the economy.This was one day after Coldwater received approval from the State Construction Code Commissioners to take jurisdiction for the skilled trades inspections and licensing back into the City of Coldwater.There are still some final steps to be taken, including discussion with the county " to finalize our transition plan with the county," city manager Jeff Budd said.This year county administrator Bud Norman reported there has been $2.3 million in new commercial building in the city and only $97,500 in the county.New residential building totaled $2.3 million in the city and $890,000 in the county. For residential modular building the county reported more at $574,000 compared to $516,205 in the city.In August the city council passed an ordnance that would re-establish city building inspection services, returning from Branch County plumbing, mechanical and electrical inspections. The city already did its own general building inspection.Among the reasons given were creating a one-stop shop for residents, contractors and customers seeking permitting and inspections services.Assistant city manager Keith Baker said it would also facilitate the issuance of certificates of occupancy and make it easier to register rental housing in the city plus reduce costs.The city relinquished the three inspection services in January 2001 after three of its employees left or retired. The city retained inspection services for general buildings. Since then with the economy down the county cut back to one employee and contracted out services. The county inspections are funded from the fees.County commissioners want a more detailed monthly report on the building inspection operation from Norman.